I can’t say ‘Next month I’m running a 5k’ anymore. It’s November…or should I say Movember?
Eeek!
In 15 days I’ll be running that 5k. I’m feeling pretty good, much the same as I did yesterday when it was still October. I know I can run 3.5k so 5k isn’t that far off right?
I’ve been studying the course map, and it doesn’t look too bad. My problem is imagining other runners on the course, and spectators and race marshalls lining it. For some reason I just can’t picture it in my head. I mean, I vaguely know what to expect, but I don’t actually KNOW what to expect. Does that make sense?
Anyway, on twitter, MoRunning posted a picture of the race medal. And I want one. I want one bad! So I guess I’ll focus on expecting to be handed that medal and let everything else just happen as it happens.
In the meantime, Runners World posted some great tips for running a first 5 or 10k. Very timely and useful information which I am going to take to heart and follow!
In fact, I need all the help I can get, because THIS month, I’m running a 5k!
This Fat Girl Runs 
I think the race you’ve entered is ideal for a first-timer! There should be hundreds of runners of all abilities, many of whom will be running their first 5k, just like you! You’ll find yourself running along with people who will encourage you with a friendly word and support you if it gets a bit difficult. You’ll probably find that you’ll be swept along with all the excitement and it’ll be over before you know it! Lots of runners usually means lots of supporters too. These will mainly be family and friends of those taking part, so they’ll understand and appreciate what you’re doing. When you hear them clapping and cheering you they really do know what an achievement this will be be! This is all part of what the running community is about – respect, appreciation and above all enjoyment! I’m sure you’ll enjoy every minute of it and will be signing up for your next race soon enough. Wear that medal with pride – you’ll have earned it!
Thanks for the encouragement! I know from being a spectator that the atmosphere can be really fun and I did read that marathoners really appreciate people who came out to cheer. I know I will feel the same on the day! I suppose a little part of me is still incredulous that I’ll be a runner, instead of a spectator! I can only imagine the exhilaration and pride that I’ll feel afterwards. It’s exciting!
I ran my first 5k in June and before that I hadn’t managed to run the full distance without stopping in training. However on the day, with all the other runners and the atmosphere I found it much easier to run til the end of the song, or run to the next corner, or marker or whatever. I have run a few 5ks now and as much as I enjoy training on my own I love the atmosphere of running with all the other runners. I am running the 10k MoRun on the 17th and I am quite excited to be part of the crowd again. I’m also excited at the prospect of that medal too 😉
Good luck in your race. You’ll amaze yourself I’m sure of it x
That’s really exciting! I can’t imagine running a 10k, but then, I couldn’t imagine signing up for a 5k either! Thank you for sharing, it really helps to get perspectives from people who have done it. It’s getting easier to imagine! 😀 Good luck on the 17th! You’ll be awesome!